This paper presents a method for preparation and application of a maintenance plan based on precepts of the MCC applied in a beverage industry. The method comprises: i) Choose the process to be improved and perform data collection; ii) identify assemblies and sub-assemblies that impact on reliability; iii) compute the failure rate of these sub-assemblies; iv) develop a FMEA for computation of major risks associated with the equipment under study and v) establishment of an action plan comprising the most appropriate maintenance activities, aimed at reducing the risks estimated by the FMEA. The implementation of the proposal is illustrated by a study performed in a real process of packaging in a production line of soft drinks. The application of the method allowed identifying more accurately the assemblies and sub-assemblies that had the greatest impact on the reliability and availability of the equipment in question. Among the main results obtained we emphasize: (i) the expansion of sales in about a million a year, (ii) greater satisfaction and morale of the employees, (iii) reduction of overtime, (iv) reduction of 10% in non-compliant products, (v) possibility of postpone expansion investments in about a year, and (vi) reduction of inventory levels, since there is greater certainty that the item will keep your function for the established period.